By Manal El Warraky
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte meets with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer
Mr Rutte thanked the United Kingdom for its valuable contributions to NATO, including the members of the British armed forces who contribute to keeping Allied territory, skies and seas safe. At the same time, he encouraged the United Kingdom to invest even more in defence, particularly in its defence industry – describing ramping up production as key to supporting Allied deterrence. “I welcome plans to further increase investments in defence because, in a more dangerous world, 2% will not be enough to keep us safe,” the Secretary General said.
Mr Rutte commended the United Kingdom’s steadfast support to Ukraine noting its provision of billions in military and humanitarian aid as well as vital training and security guarantees. Allies must not only sustain but continue to step-up our support, the Secretary General concluded, making clear that getting Ukraine to a position of strength remains a priority.
The Secretary General also highlighted a rise in destabilisation campaigns by hostile actors, which are a growing threat to Allied security. He stated that NATO “must be better equipped to meet any threat, across all domains, both now and in the future”.
